Traffic on MLK prompts commuter concerns

Published: Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 10:50 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 10:50 a.m.

As new businesses pop up along Houma's fast-growing retail corridor, so do complaints from Terrebonne motorists.

Many cite a need for more traffic lights along Martin Luther King Boulevard to help shoppers navigate the many shopping centers and restaurants that line the five-lane highway.

We need “more lights. It's horrible trying to cross those lanes from one side to the other,” Michelle Rochel, 29, of Gibson, said via a post on The Courier's Facebook page.

“They definitely need more lights on MLK,” said Kristin Champagne, 22, of Houma, another Facebook poster. “It would reduce all the wrecks and traffic, not just during the holiday season but every day.”

Houma resident Paulla Laurenzi, 35, agrees that more lights are needed, but he also suggested lowering the speed limit, which ranges from 45 to 50 mph.

Currently there are four lights along the thoroughfare — at Hollywood Road, Enterprise Drive, Savanne Road and Main Street.

Gray resident Mike Campbell, 54, said parking lots should connect so motorists can access multiple retailers without having to get on Martin Luther King Boulevard.

Martin Luther King Boulevard is a state highway, so any changes or additions would have to come via the state Highway Department.

Terrebonne Parish President Michel Claudet said the local government has asked for additional traffic signals, but those requests were turned down.

“The state indicated they are not warranted,” Claudet said. But, “when we extend Westside (Boulevard) to Equity (Boulevard), that will certainly require a traffic light.”

State transportation workers have begun installing components of a computerized system designed to synchronize traffic lights.

Lyle LeBlanc, operations engineer for the local Transportation Department, said he anticipates the new Intelligent Traffic System, which will run from U.S. 90, down La. 24, to Prospect Boulevard, will help alleviate traffic on Martin Luther King.

That project should be complete within in a year or two, he said.

In the meantime, others would just like to see an improvement in driving behavior overall.

“People in Houma need to learn how to stop for red lights,” said Houma resident Jean Hill, 61. “I see people every day running right through red lights. Also, they need to learn how to drive in school zones — I have even seen cops speeding through school zones.”

<p>As new businesses pop up along Houma's fast-growing retail corridor, so do complaints from Terrebonne motorists.</p><p>Many cite a need for more traffic lights along Martin Luther King Boulevard to help shoppers navigate the many shopping centers and restaurants that line the five-lane highway.</p><p>We need “more lights. It's horrible trying to cross those lanes from one side to the other,” Michelle Rochel, 29, of Gibson, said via a post on The Courier's Facebook page.</p><p>“They definitely need more lights on MLK,” said Kristin Champagne, 22, of Houma, another Facebook poster. “It would reduce all the wrecks and traffic, not just during the holiday season but every day.”</p><p>Houma resident Paulla Laurenzi, 35, agrees that more lights are needed, but he also suggested lowering the speed limit, which ranges from 45 to 50 mph.</p><p>Currently there are four lights along the thoroughfare — at Hollywood Road, Enterprise Drive, Savanne Road and Main Street.</p><p>Gray resident Mike Campbell, 54, said parking lots should connect so motorists can access multiple retailers without having to get on Martin Luther King Boulevard.</p><p>Martin Luther King Boulevard is a state highway, so any changes or additions would have to come via the state Highway Department.</p><p>Terrebonne Parish President Michel Claudet said the local government has asked for additional traffic signals, but those requests were turned down.</p><p>“The state indicated they are not warranted,” Claudet said. But, “when we extend Westside (Boulevard) to Equity (Boulevard), that will certainly require a traffic light.”</p><p>State transportation workers have begun installing components of a computerized system designed to synchronize traffic lights. </p><p>Lyle LeBlanc, operations engineer for the local Transportation Department, said he anticipates the new Intelligent Traffic System, which will run from U.S. 90, down La. 24, to Prospect Boulevard, will help alleviate traffic on Martin Luther King. </p><p>That project should be complete within in a year or two, he said.</p><p>In the meantime, others would just like to see an improvement in driving behavior overall.</p><p>“People in Houma need to learn how to stop for red lights,” said Houma resident Jean Hill, 61. “I see people every day running right through red lights. Also, they need to learn how to drive in school zones — I have even seen cops speeding through school zones.”</p>